Frequent health checks could prevent 24,000 people dying from diabetes

Published on 15/12/2011

A new report shows that almost 24,000 diabetes related deaths in England could be avoided with better NHS care.

With proper management diabetes can be kept under control

The NHS Information Centre carried out the first ever audit of diabetes by comparing information about sufferers in England with data from death records.

Their report revealed that in 2008/9 75,000 deaths occurred in people with diabetes, but 24,000 of these deaths were classed as avoidable.

Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot use glucose properly, meaning that without proper management sufferers can develop potentially fatal complications like heart or kidney failure. There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2.

The report found that patients with Type 1 diabetes were 2.6 times more likely to die than the general population, and 1.6 times more likely with Type 2. The National Diabetes Information Service said these numbers are rising.

Whilst diabetes is potentially life threatening, with proper management the condition can be kept under control. Better care includes basic health checks from doctors, patients taking their medication, and patients keeping to a healthy diet.

Currently, only half of patients with type 2 diabetes routinely have essential health checks and less than a third of those with type 1. There are 15 tests, nine of which are available on the NHS, including blood sugar, cholesterol and eye and limb examinations.

Barbara Young, Diabetes UK chief executive, said: "We know that half of people with Type 2 and more than two thirds of people with Type 1 diabetes are not receiving the care they need to stay healthy.”

"We will be holding the NHS to account wherever it fails to deliver high-quality care."

Frequent health checks could prevent 24,000 people dying from diabetesA new report shows that almost 24,000 diabetes related deaths in England could be avoided with better NHS care. With proper managemenFollow @activequote

Diets that are high in fat and sugar content can alter the bacteria in the gut which may reduce cognitive functioning, a US study says.
A high sugar diet can affect more than your waistline
The study...

Eating spicy food regularly can extend your life and lower your risk of developing specific conditions, according to a new study.
Chilli and spice could be good for your health
A study has found that...